Revelation 3:7-13

Revelation 3:7-13 
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

  Here we see the contrast between Jesus and his followers, and we learn about the nature of Jesus.
  When Jesus opens doors, there is not a force in the universe that can close it.  And so the door is open to eternal life -- remember that Jesus says in John 10 that he is the door through which we enter.  No one, not even death, can close this door, and so we can rejoice in having such a strong advocate. 
  In contrast, we are weak.  The church in Philadelphia cannot open the door, but they know how to obey, and they have placed their trust in Jesus.  They know their own strength and weakness, and they understand where true strength comes from.  They are saved not by their own merits.
  I don't know that self-examination is very high on the list of desirable traits in the modern world.  But when we know ourselves and acknowledge our weaknesses, we're looking to Christ to hold the door open, and falling into his grace and love.  The crown of life is given to us by the one who is stronger than we are -- so may we receive with grateful hearts, and depend on God to lead us forward into eternal life.